Facial fat graft feels hard post-procedure

I had an analogous fat transfer to the upper cheeks and orbital region. The fat feels hard like a rock underneath the skin. Is this normal? Should I massage it? I can also feel uneven areas on the outmost region of the cheeks. Does hardness indicate that the fat cells died in the process? What should I expect from here?

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10 answers to “Facial fat graft feels hard...”

A: Fat grafted takes on the qualities of nearest tissue

By Philip Young, MD - Seattle Facial Plastic Surgeon

Fat grafting is an excellent way to bring youth to your face. Losing volume plays a huge part in the aging process. Hence, replacing this fat to the face can reverse a lot of the aging that has occurred within the face. One rule in fat grafting is that fat will take on the characteristics of the tissue that... more

A: Is "the orbital region" the eyelids?

By Brian K. Brzowski, MD - Ogden Plastic Surgeon

If you are referring to fat injections in the lower eyelid, you might be experiencing a fairly regularly reported problem in that area. The skin there is usually pretty thin, and resorption of the fat is common. Although you might see a good result initially, uneven withering of the fat can lead to an... more

A: Depends on the timing

By Otto Joseph Placik, MD - Chicago Plastic Surgeon

FAT GRAFTING aka LIPOINJECTION aka AUTOLOGOUS FAT INJECTION The massage should be guided by your surgeon as opionions vary. You did not specify the timing of your procedure as this can be important in the evolution of the post operative findings. Firmness as Dr. Law documented can vary as a result of : area... more

A: Firmness After Fat Grafting

By Michael Law, MD - Raleigh-Durham Plastic Surgeon

Firmness in grafted fat tissue can occur on occasion postoperatively, but fat that feels “hard as a rock” is distinctly unusual. In most cases, facial areas that have received autologous fat grafts should feel soft and supple, although there may be some mild to moderate ‘firmness’... more

A: Palpable fat grafts after surgery

By Brent Moelleken, MD - Beverly Hills Plastic Surgeon

Early after surgery, almost every graft becomes firm to some extent. This is due to the healing around the graft and the metabolism away of, or encapsulation of, dead tissue. With fat injection, many of the cells die before they are even injected. I believe this is inherent in the fat... more

A: Fat grafts are an excellent alternative to off-the-shelf fillers

By David Shafer, MD - Manhattan Plastic Surgeon

Kung, It is unclear from your question how long ago you had your fat grafting. If you are recently post-op, then what you are describing is normal since it is likely due to swelling and possibly deep bruising/hematomas. However, if you have long term lumps then you may have fat necrosis or excess fat... more

A: Hardness can come from a lot a causes.

By Robert M. Freund, MD - New York City Plastic Surgeon

The hardness and lumpiness can be the result of 1) dying fat cells. 2) swollen fat cells, 3) hematomas. Regardless of the cause, it is important to be patient in the early post-procedure period. Return to you r doctor for further evaluation. Fat is a wonderful natural filler with little downside.

A: Fat Grafting

By Michael A. Persky, MD - Los Angeles Facial Plastic Surgeon

Hi Kung Fu Geisha, One of the great and amazing features of fat transfer when performed properly is that the fat takes on the characteristics of the tissue that it is implanted over. That is when over the soft tissue of the cheek, it feels soft; when over the bones of the cheek it feels hard like... more

A: Many Factors At Play

By Athleo Louis Cambre, MD - Los Angeles Plastic Surgeon

After Autologous Fat Transfer to the face, it is not unusual to have firmness in the area of injection that may persist for several weeks. The trauma of the injection through a large-gauge needle may stimulate an inflammatory response, as well as the possibility of some bleeding into the tissues during... more

A: Depends on many factors such as timing

By Sirish Maddali, MD - Bay Area Plastic Surgeon

Fat transfer to the face can have hard areas that are felt soon after the procedure. There is usually a fair amount of swelling that can lead to this. If patients feel hard areas "like a rock" much later (months), then it could be that the fat has calcified and hardened. Usually this does not happen for a... more

Comments

Mara1234
3 posts
9 Feb 2009

Kungfugeisha, Did the problems with your fat graft get better?

tgal
2 posts
19 Jul 2009

I had fat injected into the nasal folds area down to the corner of my mouth. (This was a decision a surgeon made entirely on his own. I do not believe I needed it there, nor did I want it) over 3 years ago, but it is overfilled, hard, and has made my smile crooked due to an extra area of overfilling. Should this be hard? Can I get it removed? I have been told that it is there permanently, but it looks horrible, is puffy, way too full and I want it gone. I have asked 2 surgeons and they have both said it can't be taken out or is not recommended. Please advise. I am ready to take it out myself because I am sick of people thinking I am older.

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